EBC today - Spring 2023

Inside EBC today

Royal celebration

Welcome to the spring issue of EBC today as we look forward to the celebrations to mark the King’s Coronation. The council is helping to bring local communities together by providing grants to help fund street parties.

The council is also celebrating the successful £2.8m bid to the Shared Prosperity Fund that will support a number of key projects over the next two years including a new nature reserve, a community shuttle bus, a cultural events programme, extended community grant scheme, a new 3G pitch at Rutland Sports Park in Ilkeston and many more worthwhile community projects.

It is likely that the council will prepare a much improved bid for the next round of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for Ilkeston – the previous bid was one of many turned down with the funding pot oversubscribed by some £9 billion.

It is with pride that I share the success of the council’s grant schemes where over 70 local organisations have

received financial support this year for meaningful projects in the community. The council has also backed the wellness networks in Cotmanhay, Kirk Hallam and Petersham delivering health and wellbeing activities for our residents and particularly our young people.

A huge amount of work has been undertaken in support of the Long Eaton Town deal projects including the Stable Block, the Galaxy Row development and the upgrading of the High Street as well as launching the Golden Hello scheme to encourage new retailers to our towns; introducing research and development grants for the manufacturing sector and backing Erewash Partnership to provide valuable support for existing and startup businesses.

The council continues to work hard to provide efficient and best-value services for our residents even though the council continues to face increased energy costs and extraordinary inflationary pressures. We have kept the council tax rise to a minimum of just over £6 per annum, an increase of 12p a week for a Band D property and also

Carol Hart, Leader of the Council

have a council tax support scheme in place to help those in need.

As we move into spring it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the wonderful parks and nature reserves as well as the Erewash Valley Trail. We really are blessed with the countryside on our doorstep in Erewash and the spring provides a fantastic opportunity to experience nature on your doorstep. In a busy year ahead, the local elections will take place in early May and for the first time voter identification will be required at polling stations – you can find all the information you need in this issue and on the council’s website.

Finally, we have provided an events listing for Erewash this year and hope that you will be able to take part in the many activities on offer throughout our wonderful borough.

Changing peoples’ lives

New nature reserve

Council Tax

A recommendation that Erewash Borough Council raises its share of council tax for 2023/24 by 2.99%, a £6.03 per annum increase, is expected to be approved at the council’s budget setting meeting at the time of going to print.

It means that the council’s charge for a band D property would increase from £201.59 to £207.62 per annum, an increase of 12p per week.

Residents are set to be consulted on proposals to transform the former Pewit Golf Course in Ilkeston into a family-friendly local nature reserve.

The emerging plans for the proposed Local Nature Reserve at West End Drive look to be given the green light by the council alongside a public consultation and approval of £261k for the project, funded by a section 106 payment linked to the former Stanton Ironworks. The 106 funding will be combined with the recent award of £250k as part of the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says: “The new nature reserve will be of great benefit to the community and will help to establish protected areas and conserve many species. It will be a valuable community space where people can enjoy the natural environment around them and to learn about nature.”

The proposed new local nature reserve will further complement the adjacent Straw’s Bridge, Pewit Carr and Manners Flood sites, with ambitions for continual biodiversity improvements for wildlife and for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

The council would need to develop a 30 year management plan for the site, and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has been engaged in the development of the plans.

Only 11% of the total council tax bill that residents pay goes to the Borough Council. The rest is for services provided by Derbyshire County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and Parish Councils – Erewash has no control over the charges set by these organisations.

The consultation will seek people’s views on the site plan and a new name for the nature reserve, with suggestions that it could be named in tribute to the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with ‘Jubilee Local Nature Reserve/Park’ amongst the options.

Scott Blance, Advocacy manager at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, says: “The proposals have the potential to deliver for wildlife and people. With a suitable mix of habitats in place, this new reserve could add a valuable piece to the jigsaw of Derbyshire’s nature recovery network, whilst creating a space with significant wellbeing opportunities for the community.”

Parking

Councillor Wayne Major, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says“The high rates of inflation have caused significant budget pressures for all councils and Erewash is no exception, however the Borough Council has a healthy financial record and we are committed to making sure it remains that way.”

The 2023/24 budget is being set during ongoing turbulence due to the economic effects of events in Ukraine and the impact of current high levels of inflation. These budgetary pressures means that the council is exploring a number of other options to generate increased income and reduce costs.

You can manage your Council Tax account online. Sign up for a My Erewash account where you can submit requests, complete application forms and request help, advice and support from our staff.

Easter markets to include egg hunt

- such as those selling crafts - can hire a stall for the day. Anyone interested in a stall can email markets supervisor andrew.burns@erewash.gov.uk

Long Eaton market is held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Stalls include cakes, a butcher, fruit and veg, fish, flowers and plants, rugs, menswear and a hot potatoes stall.

Exciting Easter markets to be held in Erewash will include a free egg hunt for children.

In Long Eaton the Easter market will be on Friday 7 April and in Ilkeston on Saturday 8 April. Both events will have face painting and a balloon modeller.

To take part in the free Easter egg hunt, where children will receive a chocolate egg, just pick up an entry sheet from a designated stall.

The aim of the Easter markets is to bring communities together. Regular traders will be there and other traders

Councillor Bryn Lewis, Lead Member for Town Centres, says: “The Easter markets will not only be a fun day out but also a chance for people to visit our town centres to see the fantastic goods local traders have to offer.”

A number of other specialist stalls are being planned for the year. Once details are finalised further information will be published on the council’s website.

Ilkeston market takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays. Stalls includes cakes, a bakery (on Saturday), egg stall, flowers and plants, fashion, sweets, cleaning products, a catering van, fruit and veg, a butcher, phone accessories, a watch stall, and a jeweller.

Further information will be published on erewash.gov.uk, or the council’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram closer to the event.

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Street Party grants for King’s Coronation

Residents will be able to apply for street party grants from Erewash Borough Council to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King.

The Coronation of King Charles III, takes place on Saturday 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey in London. During the ceremony, the King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort.

The council is expected to give the go ahead to a Street Party Grants scheme. This would see a total of £7,500 awarded to residents in the borough who plan on holding a street party and need funds to help stage it. The street party grants can be used to pay for bunting and other party items, excluding alcohol.

Street parties are just one of the ways in which communities will be brought together over the special Bank Holiday Coronation weekend.

More information on how to apply for a grant can be found at erewash.gov.uk /grants

Residents will need to inform the council if they are organising a large event which requires a road to be closed as soon as possible.

All road closures are determined on a case-by-case basis so please seek advice from the council’s Democratic Services.

Email democratic@erewash.gov.uk providing a brief outline of your event, the timings plus the road you intend to close. Alternatively, telephone 0115 907 1017 or 0115 907 1186.

Funding for borough

Shared Prosperity

INVESTING in our COMMUNITY

Erewash Borough Council will receive a £2.8m share of the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund for community and business projects over the next two years.

Community Shuttle

A temporary and trial project for a vehicle to carry passengers up Bath Street - this would help to improve the accessibility of Bath Street for people with walking difficulties.

3G

pitch project at Rutland Sports Park

A third generation artificial grass pitch will be introduced to promote engagement with sport, especially youth participation in football. Rutland Sports Park, based on West End Drive, Ilkeston, is run by Legacy Leisure and includes a spacious gym, group exercise classes, sports hall and outdoor floodlit pitches.

Bennerley Viaduct Study

A project to establish options improving access to the viaduct. The viaduct, situated between Cotmanhay and Awsworth, reopened to the public after 54 years of closure. The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct are dedicated to restoring, conserving and celebrating the viaduct, which stands 20m above the Erewash Valley, and is a quarter of a mile long.

Golden Hello Scheme

This aims to encourage new businesses opening in empty shops by providing a start-up grant for new signage and marketing. The Golden Hello grant allows new, existing, and relocating businesses the opportunity to receive a grant if they decide to occupy a vacant unit in either Ilkeston or Long Eaton town centre.

Ilkeston Nature Reserve

Enhancement of the wildlife value and public amenity at the former Pewit Golf Course and Manor Floods LNR, including substantial tree planting to help address the impact of climate change.

Cultural Events Programme

Cultural Events

Increased awareness of and engagement with the Erewash Museum through a programme of enhanced events. Erewash Museum is a social history museum with exhibitions and displays reflecting the history of the borough. Dalby House is a late Georgian house with Victorian extensions. It was both a family home and school accommodation before becoming a museum in the 1980s.

Other projects, to be rolled out over the next two years, include an enhanced community grant scheme, a community carbon grant, a manufacturing Research & Development grant, and a project to back Erewash Partnership. Play equipment will be replaced at West Park, and a Visit Erewash Campaign will be launched - to promote recreational use of the Erewash countryside - also formed part of the successful bid.

Community Shuttle

Golden Hello Scheme

Bennerley Viaduct

3G pitch

Ilkeston Nature Reserve

Borough & Parish Election Guide 2023

Voters will need ID at May’s election

The Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station. This new requirement will apply for the first time at the Erewash Borough Council elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.

You can use any of the following: passport; driving licence (including provisional licence); blue badge; certain concessionary travel cards; identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme); biometric immigration document; Defence identity card; and certain national identity cards. For more information on what will be accepted, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to elections@erewash.gov.uk

Poll cards

Poll cards will be hand-delivered to all registered voters between 22 March and 3 April 2023.

These Poll cards will confirm where your polling station is, the name of your ward and your elector number. For those who have asked for a postal vote, your Poll card will also confirm these details.

You can only vote at your designated polling station, so if you lose your Poll card and need to check where your station is please contact our elections team on 0115 907 1190 or email elections@erewash.gov.uk

The polling stations used for May’s elections were reviewed by Erewash Borough Council earlier this year to ensure that the venues are as convenient as possible for all electors and in line with the voter ID requirements.

EBC elections team: 0115 907 1190 or email: elections@erewash.gov.uk

you must contact Erewash Borough

A citizen of another European

Ways of voting

- everyone on the Register of Electors and eligible to vote is able to do so at their designated polling station, which is shown on your

– if you have requested a postal vote, your voting papers will be posted out to you with a return, postage-paid envelope provided. If you leave it too late to post back, you can drop it off at any polling station within the borough before the close of polls at 10pm.

- you can appoint someone you trust to act as a ‘proxy’ for you. This means that the person you have appointed can cast your vote for you at the designated polling station. You also have the option of appointing them as a postal proxy, for which the process is the same

Do you need to register to vote?

Count on us

The count for the borough and parish elections will take place at Rutland Tennis Centre in Ilkeston on Friday 5 May.

Follow us on Twitter @ErewashBC where updates will posted as the results for each ward come in. The full results and voting figures will go on www.erewash.gov.uk at the end of the count.

West Hallam and Dale Abbey (3).

Further help with cost of living

Business rates revaluation

Erewash businesses can now see the new rateable value for their business property. The Valuation Office Agency has updated the rateable values of all business, and other non-domestic, property in England and Wales.The new rateable values will take effect from 1 April 2023.The information gives the future rateable values for non-domestic properties in England and Wales.

This is not the amount of business rates that people will pay for their non domestic property. This will be shown on their bill when they receive it.

People can check the factual information used for their valuation and tell the VOA if anything is wrong. People can get an estimate of what their business rates bill may be from 1 April 2023 through the VOA’s Find a Business Rates Valuation Service at www.tax.service.gov.uk/businessrates-find/search Formal appeals cannot be made before 1 April 2023.

A valuation account must be created by using a Government Gateway ID and password via the VOA website.

Fuel payment

Households that use alternative fuels like heating oil are eligible for a £200 Alternative Fuel Payment to cover winter energy costs. Most households eligible for the AFP support received payment automatically via their energy supplier. Those households who will need to apply for the AFP, for example because they do not have a relationship with an energy supplier,

Help with energy bills

If you can’t afford the energy you need or are in debt with your energy supplier, help is available.

If you think you’ll struggle to stay warm and afford your energy bills you can contact Warmer Derby and Derbyshire on 0800 677 1332 or wdd@mea.org.uk

The service is a partnership between the Marches Energy Agency charity, the Local Authority Energy Partnership and Erewash Borough Council.

Their free energy helpline offers impartial advice on how to stay warm

at home, afford energy bills and be more energy efficient.

Householders might be eligible for financial help with a new boiler, money off their energy bills, help with energy bill debt, or a home visit for more advice.

If you have a health condition that is made worse by the cold and you struggle to afford to heat your home, the Derbyshire County Council, Healthy Homes Project may be able to help or can direct you to other sources of support, Call: 01629 536919

can do so through the GOV.UK portal. As well as this 900,000 households without a direct relationship to an energy supplier – such as care home or park home residents – can soon apply online for £400 of nonrepayable help with their fuel bills through the Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding.

We will keep updating our social media to highlight when you can apply. Payments to households that meet the eligibility criteria - including people who get their energy through a commercial contract or who are off-grid - will be made by Erewash Borough Council.

A total of 100 properties in Erewash will have benefited from energy efficiency upgrades by 31 March as part of the Local Authority Delivery Phase 3 programme.

Homes for Ukraine

Residents who house a Ukrainian refugee family will receive a £500 monthly thank you payment, following an extension of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Erewash residents have opened their homes to welcome guests, and whilst many are living in long-term, sponsored placements, for some refugees this arrangement has come to a premature end.

If you are interested in housing a Ukrainian refugee, or a refugee family in your own home or vacant property you will receive a monthly ‘thank you’ payment of £500.

If you have a property that could be given over to the scheme, you will also receive an additional 50 per cent discount towards your council tax.

For more information contact ukrainehosts@derbyshire.gov.uk

Backing Long Eaton

delivering town centre regeneration

Long eaton Town Board

The Long Eaton Town Deal which will see up to £25 million of Government funding invested into the town, with a total of five projects under consideration.

Stable Block Managed Workspace Units

This project will see the conversion of a former Stable Block next to Long Eaton Town Hall into modern office spaces and studios. These images show how the exterior of the building could look. A flythrough video of proposed designs can also be seen on the council’s YouTube channel. Planning permission was granted by the council’s planning committee in February.

West Park Leisure Hub

Funding is set to be released by the Government for this project. The plans for the park are in two parts. The first would see an attractive waterfront alongside the Erewash Canal, including an area for seating to enjoy the park and the canal as well as facilities for refreshments and to launch small water-craft. The second part of the project includes an improved events space, which will allow for a wider variety of events, with increased car parking.

Long Eaton High Street

Designs for this project have progressed. It will see a redesign and upgrade of the High Street with the aim to enhance the public space by making it a more sociable area with seating and planting. The scheme is now extended to include Tamworth Road, and will deliver improved benefits for the town.

Long Eaton Walking and Cycling Network

Plans for the project have progressed and the council will soon be submitting a report to Government for funds to be released. Improvements are set to include lighting along the cycleway within West Park and replacing the bridge which connects West Park to the town centre, as well as the construction of a new bridge on Britannia Road.

Galaxy Row

The aim of this project is to remove the eye sore of the former derelict Galaxy cinema on Derby Road and replace it with a new development made up of commercial and residential units. This would be part of a larger development which includes the former cinema, a tyre depot, shop fitter’s store and a former nightclub. The development would create new jobs and benefit the town centre economy. A planning application is being progressed.

Visit longeatontowndeal.org

Stable Block

Pedestrian and Cycleway

High Street

West Park

Galaxy Row

For all the background and to keep up-to-date with the latest news

As the projects move forward they are subject to change, taking account of external factors that are beyond the control of the Long Eaton Town Board.

EREWASH LEISURE

With our qualified Level 2 Swimming Instructors you can progress through the Swim England Learn to Swim Programme.

Lessons start from 3 months to adults. Stages to suit all abilities from beginners to advanced and Rookie Lifesaving.

Includes free general swimming for all children. Swimming is a life skill that not only saves lives but builds confidence and is a healthy form of exercise for all ages.

It's never too late to learn.

Scan the QR codes to enrol or for more information give us a call

Victoria Park Leisure Centre 0115 9440400

West Park Leisure Centre

0115 9461400

Erewash Valley Trail

is supported by local celebrities including actors Robert Lindsay and William Roache.

Although the trail is a major feature of the valley there is much more to see. The valley is a haven for wildlife providing a valuable wetland corridor and at the same time a living landscape for local residents and visitors to enjoy.

Exercise by Referral

Residents with long-term health conditions are encouraged to consider the Exercise by Referral scheme which sees vital aid given to those who need it most.

The Erewash Valley Trail is a circular walking and cycling route which takes in over 30 miles of waterway and countryside on the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire border. There are many shortcuts and links across the trail which connect communities and provide shorter local loops and split the trail into smaller sections.

The trail is available for walkers and cyclists and well-marked with orange Erewash Valley Trail signs. Look for the interpretation panels which highlight the route and local points of interest.

The valley is a special place which has inspired great authors such as D. H. Lawrence and Alan Sillitoe and the Erewash Valley Trail project

The archaeological record gives mention of 4000 year old Neolithic finds in Cotmanhay, along with evidence of Saxon and Roman presence at a number of places in the valley.

The valley has long been recognised for its agricultural value particularly its grassland and water meadows. Evidence of ancient ridge and furrow (humps and hollows) meadows can be found throughout the valley but notably at Sandiacre next to the Erewash Canal just downstream of Moorbridge Lane.

See the map at erewash.gov.uk/walking

Community Wellness

There are networks in Cotmanhay, Kirk Hallam, Petersham, Sandiacre and Sawley. Each network has an action plan with agreed priorities for its community. The networks have regular face-to-face meetings and are always open to new members and receiving input from the local community.

The scheme is a 12-week programme for people with long-term health conditions that aims to help them better manage their condition via exercise. Eligible people that are referred by a healthcare professional are able to take part in the tailored programme.

Qualified Exercise by Referral instructors are based at Rutland Sports Park in Ilkeston and West Park Leisure Centre in Long Eaton, offering different methods of exercise including supervised gym sessions and swimming and exercise classes designed for a specific need and capability.

For more information visit erewash.gov.uk. To discuss a referral, arrange a visit with a healthcare professional.

Deaf-initely Women

Erewash Borough Council recently partnered with Deaf-initely Women to host training sessions for walk leaders. Deaf-initely Women is an organisation for deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing women. They are currently leading a project in Derbyshire with the aim of organising led walks for women with hearing difficulties.

Walk Derbyshire

Are you a resident or local group interested in supporting health and wellbeing opportunities within your community?

If the answer is yes then we would love to make you aware of five active Community Wellness Networks across Erewash. These networks are made up of local groups, residents and organisations who come together to support and help drive health and wellbeing outcomes in the community.

If you are interested in being a part of a Community Wellness network please contact:

becky@erewashcvs.org.uk for Sandiacre & Sawley

aija.cirule@erewash.gov.uk for Kirk Hallam

jordan.hedges@erewash.gov.uk for Petersham

isabel.greed@erewash.gov.uk for Cotmanhay

Walk Derbyshire has a new website! Information on all of the walks in Derbyshire, including walks and walking groups held in Erewash, can be found on the website. There is also information online for any residents interested in becoming a walk leader volunteer. Visit walkderbyshire.org.uk.

Erewash Walking Week

The annual Erewash Walking Week will take place from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 April. Following last year’s success, Erewash Borough Council is planning to include more walks and a larger variety of walking groups. For more information email kathleen.taylor@erewash.gov.uk

The gallery - Erewash Events

March

25th History Talk

Erewash Museum

2pm

£3 or free for Friends of the Museum

Bennerley Viaduct: A bridge into Victorian Railway Social History

Kate Crossley-Halls will discuss Bennerley Viaduct, now open again after 60 years.

The talk will explore the significance of England’s largest surviving wrought iron viaduct and its impact on the valley.

28th Sing, Say, Play

22nd Trent Valley Sailing Club Open Day

Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 2FY

24th Swing Back to the Forties

Erewash Museum

10am - 4pm

£3 entry adults

Accompanying children free

Try sailing for free at the historic Trent Valley Sailing Club! Visitors can enjoy a tour of the iconic building, sail with qualified instructors, and relax with a warm drink and cake in the club house overlooking the river.

May

20th Model Railway 21st & Erewash Museum

11am - 3pm

£3 entry adults

Erewash Museum

1.30pm - 3.30pm

Join us for an afternoon of song, spoken word and informal performance! Poets, writers and anyone interested in participating or spectating are invited to come along.

Beginners are especially welcome. No need to book.

April

7th Easter Market

Starts 10am &

8th

Friday - Long Eaton

Saturday - Ilkeston

A special easter market will be held in Ilkeston and Long Eaton.

Regular and craft traders will have stalls and a free Easter egg hunt will be held for children.

Face painting will be provided by Cheerful Chops.

Accompanying children free

Join us at Erewash Museum for a whole weekend of model railway fun. Come along and enjoy a huge range of layouts, displays and demonstrations from our amazing local societies and enthusiasts.

June

10th Steampunk Invasion

Erewash Museum

10am - 4pm

£3 entry adults

Accompanying children free

Enjoy a whole host of entertainers including St John Le Fox the fire breather, the T&V magic show, Morris dancers and much more.

Market stalls will be selling steampunk fashions and accessories, and the museum tea room will be selling drinks and tasty treats.

Our annual 1940s day returns with music, singing, displays, vehicles and much more!

July

22nd

2nd to September July

Erewash Museum, Ilkeston 11am - 3pm

Our annual summer beach makes a return in 2023 with sand, deck chairs, and giant games for everyone to enjoy.

23rd Summer Sounds

Victoria Park, Ilkeston 3pm - 7pm

This summer why not head down to Victoria Park for live entertainment, family fun, free children’s entertainment and side stalls. There will also be refreshment stalls.

August

19th Brass Band Concert

Erewash Museum

2pm

Ilkeston Brass Band will be performing in the Museum garden. Weather dependant.

Return of the Beach

Our princess and unicorn extravaganza is back for 2023, meet the Queen of the Fairies, and our resident unicorns. Fairy themed crafts, trails and other activities.

18th-21st 21stIlkeston Charter Fair

The skies will be lit up by bright fireworks. Ticket holders will also benefit from Fast Track Entry into the park via a secure gated entrance - allowing guests to go back and forth between the venue and the park easily.

Pre-paid On the night

Adult £8 £12.00 child (6 -16yrs) £7 £9.00 Senior citizen £7 £9.00 Family £25.00 £30.00 2 adults and up to 3 children

11th Armistice Day

10.45am start

16th 18th to

Chestnut Fair

Long Eaton Town Centre

The fair is officially opened by the Mayor at 6pm on Thursday 16 November on the dodgems ride at Beaconsfield Car Park.

For virtually an entire week, Ilkeston town centre is transformed into a vast fairground filled with colour, lights and action for this popular event.

Thousands of visitors come to enjoy the exciting and spectacular whiteknuckle rides together with the more traditional side-shows

Look out for our

Halloween Extravaganza

Erewash Museum

3pm - 6pm

The Halloween week is set to be full of exciting and spooky activities to entertain children during the half term holiday. The museum will transform for the season ghostly adventures!

Keep an eye on the Museum’s Facebook page for information.

The Royal British Legion will hold a short service at the Cenotaph in Ilkeston Market Place and the memorial just outside St Laurence’s Churchyard in Long Eaton.

12th Remembrance Day Service

10.45am start

Remembrance services will be held in both Ilkeston and Long Eaton. Both will begin with a parade to the war memorials headed by a local band. There will be a service and wreath laying.

Erewash is illuminated for the festive season as the Christmas Lights Switch-On event returns on Thursday 23 November in Long Eaton and 24 November in Ilkeston. Wrap up warm for a wonderful time and enjoy a variety of entertainment on the stage leading up to the big switch-on at 7pm to get you in the festive spirit.

Erewash Museum

5.30pm - 8.30pm

Join us as part of the town lights switch on event with a range of craft, food and gift stalls.

9th

Erewash Museum

10am - 3pm

Booking required

Book your slot to meet Santa and get an early Christmas gift. The Stables will be transformed into a magical grotto, full of beauty, delight and a few surprises for those who believe.

Events could be subject to change. visit erewash.gov.uk

4th Bonfire & Firework Display

23rd & 24th Lights Switch-On

&16th Santa Saturdays

16th Enchanted Garden

Erewash Museum, Ilkeston

24th Craftsmas Fair

Don’t mess up

issue fixed penalty notices of £100 to any person who has allowed their dog to foul and failed to clear it up.

Residents can help the council’s dog wardens to crackdown on the menace by getting in touch with the service. People will need to provide as much detail as possible of any known offenders – including the locations and their regular walking times.

people who do not pick up their dog’s mess. We need proof to be able to deal with any offenders and that’s where we need the public’s help.”

Details of people who have not cleaned up their pet’s poop can be sent to prideline@erewash.gov.uk You can also call 0115 850 8383 during opening hours.

Erewash Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Warden Service are running a campaign encouraging more dog owners to pick up their dog’s poop.

Our wardens regularly patrol the borough and where necessary will

Councillor Garry Hickton, Lead Member for Environment, says: “We continue to see some irresponsible

Residents can make a request for a dog mess clean-up by text on 07792 701 583 or via their online My Erewash account. Please note that a precise location will be required for the wardens.

Let’s Recycle! - Batteries Waste collections

Rechargeable batteries are particularly flammable. The council’s refuse teams have occasionally experienced fires in the back of the refuse carts during their rounds and have had to act quickly to prevent further danger. The source of the fire has been traced back to lithium batteries that have burst into flames. This can happen at relatively low temperatures.

Batteries should never be thrown away with general rubbish. It is important that rechargeable lithium, lithium ion and zinc-air batteries are disposed of correctly at recycling points.

These batteries are typically found in household items such as cameras, mobile phones and laptops. Even traditional batteries such as AA’s or AAA’s contain some hazardous chemicals that are not suitable for general waste.

Batteries that do make their way to landfill sites through general waste collection rot away over time. Chemicals such as lead, cadmium, zinc, lithium and even mercury may leak into the ground, causing soil and water pollution.

Household batteries can be recycled at Libraries and Ilkeston Household Waste Recycling Centre. Retailers that sell batteries also provide recycling bins.

Recycled batteries are first sorted into different types, as each type is recycled differently. Lead acid batteries (used for car batteries) and mercury button cell batteries (flat, round, silver batteries found in watches) are fully recycled in the UK. Lithium and alkaline batteries (AA, AAA and 9v batteries) are part-recycled in the UK. They are then sent to plants abroad for the rest of the process.

There are two remaining community household waste collections still to take place in the borough.

The community household waste collections are free and for small bulky waste items only. All collections take place on Saturdays between 8am and 11.30am.

The first will be on 11 March at Village Hall, Park Avenue, Stanley Village and at Kirk Hallam Shops, Kirk Hallam.

The final collection will take place on 25 March at West Park Recycling Centre, Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton.

Garden waste collections have resumed in the borough meaning that brown bins can no longer be used for dry mixed recycling.

At the heart of the community

Kristian believes that everybody deserves a chance, though they are crying out for more funding. He says: “We have to put in approximately £60,000 from our own funds each year to keep going. We really appreciate what Erewash Borough Council does for us as we have limited resources.”

Arena Community has been helping people to get back on their feet for 15 years and the charity is the community arm of Ilkeston based Arena Church, and continues to make a huge difference for many people thanks to the work of its 80 staff, who are mainly volunteers.

As well as its foodbank – which since 2011 has given away more than 20,000 food parcels - it runs a furniture bank, clothing bank and friendship group for senior citizens.

In 2016 Arena took on the lease of the former Woolworths building on Bath Street to form The Project, a café and vintage shop which sells cherry-picked donated designer clothes, generating income to fund its charity work. All profits from The Project go back into the community and they are always in need of good quality donations and furniture. The Project was made possible thanks to funding from Erewash Borough Council.

Kristian Thorpe, Lead Pastor and Founder of Arena Community, says: “What people give will help Ilkeston and fund the food bank.”

Lisa Harrison, head of Arena Community, says: “Any profit we make is poured back into the community. We work with schools and allocate money to kids who have no food, toys or warm clothes.”

The Arena Community’s Let’s Do This campaign highlights the work and need of the charity and urges people to give what they can. Part of this is The One Thousand Club, whereby if 1,000 people pledged to give £5 per month then the ‘small becomes large’.

• A hot shower that provides washing facilities for the homeless.

• Washing and drying machines for people and families without adequate facilities in their home.

Councillor Paul Maginnis, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing at Erewash Borough Council, says: “I met with Lisa and Kristian at The Project to find out more about the great work they do in the community. There is so much important work being done here and I would urge people to get involved with the Arena Community in any way they can, whether it’s volunteering or making a donation.”

Arena Community foodbank is based at the Community Hub on Mundy Street, Ilkeston. The foodbank is open every Tuesday and Thursday 9:30am – 3:30pm.

Find out more at about Arena Community and how to get involved at arenacommunity.co.uk

Other schemes include.

• Care for a Coffee which operates twice a week, serving over a 100 people who are lonely, homeless or vulnerable.

• Homeless packs that can contain food, protein drinks, a sleeping bag and socks.

• A hot two-course meal is served twice a week to more than 100 people.

From left: Councillor Paul Maginnis, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, is pictured at The Project with Lisa Harrison and Kristian Thorpe.

Ashmere is a family run business providing the very best care across Derbyshire. Our ethos is that we are here for everyone, from our residents right through to the families too When the time comes to find a care provider we know that there are many questions that need to be answered and our personal approach ensures you get the opportunity to speak with our care team directly and addresses all the questions you may have.

"When my mother went to live at Heanor Park Care Home, I don't think any of us realised just how very poorly she was Three months on, and she is a different person Surrounded by a team and genuine carers, with good food, the friendship of other residents, and a safe, warm, calm environment and the resources to recover - such that she now plays an active part, at times able to give back for her new friends As she put it - "this is Derbyshire, this is me, and I am very happy here"

-Review from carehome co uk October 2022

Our Homes and Contact Information

Matlock, DE4 3BN

The borough’s history will be brought to life at monthly talks.

Each 45-minute talk will start at 2pm in the Hayloft at Erewash Museum in Ilkeston town centre. The upcoming talks are as follows:

Saturday 25 March

Kate Crossley-Halls, Heritage and Engagement Lead at Bennerley Viaduct, will discuss the viaduct, now open again after 60 years. The talk will explore the significance of England’s largest surviving wrought iron viaduct and its impact on the Erewash Valley.

Saturday 29 April

Newstead Abbey Curator and Erewash Museum Co-Manager Simon Brown will talk on the long history of Newstead Abbey, particularly focusing on the connection between the iconic Abbey and beloved poet Lord Byron.

Saturday 20 May

Project Leader of the Toton Sidings Remembered project, Pete Wearn, covers the importance of Toton Sidings in the carrying of coal to industry. The talk will recount the rise of the railway facility, its later usage of automation to meet heightened demands for coal, through to its fall in 1984.

Charity Knit

Erewash Museum’s Charity Knit returns for a third year following the success of last year’s campaign.

The Charity Knit sees residents make bonding squares for Nottingham neonatal units. Bonding squares come in pairs, with one given to mother and one given to baby. The squares are swapped daily to allow mother and baby to bond over scent when touch is limited. They help baby recognise the smell of their mother and in turn, helps mum to produce milk for feeding baby.

Simple patterns and instructions are available on Erewash Museum’s Facebook page and in person at the museum’s reception.

Social Stitching

A new regular craft club began in December last year with Social Stitching at Erewash Museum.

Story in the Park

This Spring will see an enchanting story and themed challenges take over West Park in Long Eaton.

Organised by the council’s Health and Wellbeing Development team, visitors will be able to collect the children’s story at the West Park Leisure Centre reception. The tale “Adventures at West Park” has been written especially for the event with beautiful illustrations to bring the story to life.

Families can read the story which will lead them to markers placed around the park. At each marker there will be fun story related challenges to complete in order to continue the narrative. The aim of this is to increase use of the park, encourage individuals to enjoy the park in a unique way, and to increase the use of the park’s special features.

On Saturdays from 11am until 3pm, visitors are welcome to the Ilkestonbased museum to enjoy a creative cosy community space. Crafters can bring any stitching hobbies including knitting, crochet and cross stitch.

People of any skill level are welcome, from novice to expert. Visitors are welcome to come and go throughout the sessions.

Following the event’s successful opening, the club programme has been extended. Each month will see at least one session with May, July September and November having two sessions.

For updates on the club programme, visit the Erewash Museum Facebook page.

Photo: Aubreyalan Davidson, Friends of Bennerley Viaduct.

Photo: Newstead Abbey

Canal Vue Care Home

Purpose built care home in Ilkeston

Open for new admissions

CANAL VUE CARE HOME

Make Canal Vue Care

Home your new home

To check availability at Canal Vue Care Home call or email to arrange a visit to discuss your needs.

Enquiries: 0115 932 6390

enquiries@eastgatecare.co.uk

www.eastgatecare.co.uk

Hobbies

With a dedicated home Activities Coordinator you’ll always have the opportunity to pass the time and participate in your hobbies and interests and what you love doing the most.

Environment

From landscaped gardens, balconies overlooking the canal and sunny roof terraces, to communal lounges and quiet reading spaces, pleasant open dining areas and restful bedrooms, it is easy to find the perfect spot in our home.

Specialist Care

Purpose-built modern residential care home designed to provide the very best in elderly care, dementia, respite, residential, convalescence and end of life care for older people 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our family business is your business too. Make our home your home and enjoy the care and attention you deserve for a better quality of life, where companionship and new

Managed by a team of highly skilled, qualified and experienced carers, each individual cared for and supported by our care team receives the very best person centred care and attention in a safe caring environment.

Grants boost communities

to buy equipment to support a recruitment campaign; £300 to St Johns Long Eaton Parochial Church Council towards the cost of replacing a store room roof, and £600 to Little Eaton Playgroup for equipment.

Community Forum and the Friends of Straws Bridge.

Lots of communities in Erewash have benefitted from funding over the last year thanks to the council’s grants schemes.

A total of £18,699 has been awarded to community and voluntary organisations as part of the Community Grants Scheme, and Fast Funding scheme.

This included £1,000 to Risley Neighbourhood Watch for their summer fete and family fun day; £200 to the Third Ockbrook Brownies

The Fast Funding Community Grants scheme saw the Friends of Stanley Common receive £500 towards the cost of litter picking equipment; £477 awarded to West Hallam White Rose Cricket Club for junior team cricket equipment; £500 for both the Support Through Sport CIC (Kirk Hallam) youth diversion and intervention programmes, and Trinity Methodist Church, Long Eaton, for its Together on Thursday Project.

The Members’ Community Grant scheme sees councillors award £250 to organisations in their ward. A total of £6,260 was awarded. Groups that have benefitted include Dale Abbey Village Forum, Breaston

Mayor’s year in office

the benefit of others. We are all still coming to terms with the COVID-19 pandemic and its lasting effect on our daily routines. “I am often asked about the civic chain that the Mayor wears, especially whether I own it. My answer is simple, ‘the chain belongs to you and every citizen of Erewash.’

I am also asked ‘what do we call you?’ my reply is ‘John’.

Arts Grants were awarded to three organisations, totalling £1,500: These included £700 to All Being Well for workshops to deliver creative wellness sessions in school; and £800 to Gramophone Theatre Company, for wellbeing focused workshops for parent and baby groups. Information on when applications are open can be found at erewash.gov.uk/grants

Having been the Borough’s First Citizen for over ten months, Councillor John Sewell BEM, looks back on the year so far.

“When being asked to stand as Mayor of this wonderful borough, you do not fully appreciate the task involved with the job. As ward councillor for the Sawley ward, I am aware of the good work being done by several local organisations but I have had my eyes opened to the excellent work being done by residents for

With my military background, I am delighted to have the opportunity to promote the work of the youth services. Not just the Cadets of the Armed Forces but also the Scout Movement, Girlguiding UK and youth groups - all excellent organisations which give our youth the chance to learn new things and gain confidence to pursue their chosen careers.

I would like to thank the organisations’ volunteers who give their time to help our youngsters achieve their full

potential. I would also like to thank the Royal British Legion branches for their dedication and compassion in assisting our veterans and their families over many years of service, especially during the pandemic. Anyone can become a member of the Legion and would be very welcome.

It was an honour to be involved and be the representative of the Borough at the events arranged for the passing of our late Queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her dedication and devotion to our country was paramount and was reflected in the number of people signing condolence books and laying tributes. We now look forward to King Charles III Coronation on 6 May.

“My wife, Rose, and I have enjoyed all engagements we have been invited to and look forward to serving the Borough through to May.”

Children from the West Hallam White Rose Cricket Club Junior Team with their new equipment.

Representatives from Little Eaton Playschool with a cheque for the funding they received.

IMAGESDRONES

Safer Streets funding

Bramcote Crematorium

Automatic Number Plate Recognition and CCTV cameras - purchased using Safer Streets Funding – will combat crime in Erewash.

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster secured more than £1million to improve safety and reduce the fear of crime in Erewash and Derby City communities.

A total of £401,315 was allocated from the Home Office’s Safer Streets

Fund to reduce neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour in specific areas throughout Ilkeston.

Erewash Borough Council will install 4G CCTV cameras to target neighbourhood crime, ASB and drug related offences.

The five ANPR cameras will cover key roads out of the borough and will be linked into the Derbyshire Police system.

Local radio star lands BBC job

for the borough’s local radio station, working both on-air and off-air.

Currently presenting Erewash Sound Drive, Lewis was recently offered a job with the BBC and from early 2023 will work as a studio director for Radio 4 and the World Service.

Bramcote Crematorium in Beeston is set in beautiful surroundings. The contemporary crematorium is surrounded by 18 acres of natural woodland.

There is a constant programme of improvements to ensure the best possible funeral services are provided. There are lots of quiet spaces at Bramcote crematorium including reflection gardens and a reflection chapel.

An annual open day will be held at the crematorium in the summer. More information can be found at bramcotebereavement.org

Super Bowls

Bowls has an extensive history in Erewash with several bowling greens across the borough perfect for residents looking to try a new sport this year.

Erewash’s Zingari Bowls Club is celebrating its 79th anniversary this year. Residents are welcome to visit the Bowling Green in West Park in Long Eaton where Zingari club members are happy to teach people, no prior knowledge needed.

Erewash Sound Media Academy alumni Lewis Allsopp (right) has seen incredible success over the past few months with a national radio award win and incredible job offer.

Lewis joined Ilkeston-based radio station Erewash Sound aged 16. He passed his training with the Erewash Sound Media Academy and went on to gain experience through presenting and producing content

In November 2022 Lewis and Erewash Sound colleague Paul Stacey won a GOLD national radio award for their ‘Iron to Iron’ series which covered the launch of a national cycle route from the Meldon Viaduct in Devon to the Bennerley Viaduct in the Erewash Valley.

For more information on Erewash Sound Media Academy, visit academy.erewashsound.com.

For those who have some bowls experience and are looking to join a welcoming club, Ilkeston Rutland bowls club are seeking new members. The club meets twice weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays at Ilkeston Rutland Sports Park. They also play in Leagues and friendly matches with other clubs.

For information on bowls and the clubs available, please email sportsbookings@erewash.gov.uk or call 0115 9072244.

EBC leader, Councillor Carol Hart, centre, with Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster and an officer from Ilkeston Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Know your Councillors

Have your say

Erewash residents aged 16 or over can join the council’s online consultation panel.

The council has its own panel of residents who have registered to receive links to secure online council surveys and welcome requests to join the panel.

If you live in the borough you can register and join.

Erewash Borough Council collects personal information when you complete an online survey. The survey data is hosted by Snap Surveys Ltd. who are acting as data processors for this service. Snap Surveys Ltd. will not pass your data to any individuals or agencies.

The council will use this information to produce anonymous aggregated reports from which individuals can not be identified. Information may need to be shared with other council departments to ensure that you receive the best possible service.

If so, this will be made clear in our privacy notice. The council will not share information with third parties for marketing purposes or any other reason unless required to do so by law.

Online panel members can request their data to be deleted at any time by contacting the council’s Community Engagement Officer, colin.handley@erewash.gov.uk